Namibia - Etosha National Park

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On the 5th, we crossed over the border in Namibia and bush camped in the evening close to the road. Apparently, bush camping is actually illegal, so we were only allowed to pitch our tents once it was dark and then only behind the truck! We spent the evening listening out for cars and then had to make a wuick run to make sure all the lights were turned off before the cars approached! Hannah taught me to play backgammon, although think I'll have to practice a bit more as not very good and not too sure of all the rules.

The next day, we drove to Etosha National Park. It covers a massive area and has campsites located within it for people to stay at whilst they game drive. The accomodation and facilities at the some of the campsites were lovely. I imagine they would be ideal for honeymoon couples!

Had a brill day game driving in the truck. We saw dozens of elephants, of all shapes and sizes and all ages. A sight to remember thats for sure. Some of them were very very cute, especially the baby ones who were absolutely tiny (well in elephnat terms!). We also saw giraffes, zebras, lions and springboks, so a successful game drive! Stayed at a different campsite the next night. Caught up with some of the other trucks that we had previously met up with at other destinations so was good to have a catch up and see what they had been doing. Spent the day lazing by the pool and having the occasional deep into the refreshingly cool waters of the pool. Towards the end of the afternoon, I went and sat by the water hole where the animals tend to gather. Was very quite there as you have to respect the animals and not scare them. But it was a lovely tranquil place to sit, think, relax and watch. Also watched the sunset, with elephants as the backdrop, beautiful.

After my cook group had finally finished making dinner - a yummy chicken curry, some of us went and sat by the floodlit water hole till midnight. Watched the elephants, girrafe was also lucky enough to have the company of a rhino for a while until the elephant scared him off by waving his trunk at him - was quite a funny sight.

Some of the group went on an early morning game drive the next morning but as late to bed the night before I didn't go and instead went and sat by the water hole a bit later on with my sleeping bag to keep me warm. I liked the peacefulness and was nice to spend some time alone for a little while.

Left Etosha and drove to Cheetah Park where we got to spend some time with 3 cheetahs that the owners have as house animals! had my picture taken with one. They are beautiful animals, with gorgeous luxurious coats and very startling eyes. In the evening, just before sunset, we got taken out on trucks to watch some of the more wild cheetahs being fed. It was fascinating to see their lithe athletic bodies running and jumping to catch the meat they were being thrown.

The next day, we drove to Brandburg Mountain, the highest in Namibia and had lunch. We spent the rest of the day driving until we arrived at our bush camp destination. The scenary in Namibia is magnificent, we passed many large red rocky hills which really stand out against the rest of the landscape. Had an enjoyable night around the campfire, eating biscuits, marshmallows, drinking tea and chatting away until bedtime. One of the guys, Karl, made us all laugh when he hid in Tom and Neils tent while they were cleaning their teeth. When they came back and went to get in their tents they had the fright of their lives when Karl jumped out on them. It was very funny!

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Comments

[sue tointon]

cheetah park
dont get too many ideas about new house pets on your return!! love mum